Law School Info

Many students are interested in pursuing a career in the law. Law offers many benefits,
but law school also demands time, effort, and money. Use available resources to learn
about legal careers, prepare for law school, and succeeding in law school.

FAQs and Handbooks

2. The Loves and Hates of Practicing Attorneys

Being an attorney—like any career-- offers both satisfying aspects and frustrating
aspects. Bowdoin College reports results from interviews of practicing attorneys about
what they love and hate about their jobs.

Loves

Hates

Challenging WorkBoth inexperienced and experienced attorneys report that they love the frequent challenges
that arise and change daily.

PaycheckWorking in law can be a lucrative profession or it can provide moderate income depending
upon the employment sector you choose. Most law students are willing to shoulder three
years of expensive law school tuition in hopes of high return upon passage of the
bar and employment. The median salary of law school graduates 9 months after graduation
in 2006 was around $62,000; in 2004, $55,000. Salary highs range from $80,000 for
those in private practice to a low around $40,000 for those working academia, according
to the National Association of Law Placement (NALP). NALP employment analyses for
the graduating class of 2008 found that for the first time since 2003, the employment
rate of known graduates shrank to 89.9%, compared to a rate of 92% employment in 2007,
and 90% in 2006 and 2005.

Helping PeoplePeople Lawyers state over and over again how much satisfaction it gives them to serve
people by representing them in court or educating them about their legal rights. Many
attorneys who move into the non-profit and government sectors say that fighting for
social justice is their primary reason for being in law. Prestige Law is one of the
most well-respected professions in the country. Paradoxically, lawyers also have a
bad image in the collective consciousness. Enduring the slings and arrows of bad attorney
comes with the territory.

ResponsibilityMany entry-level employees in other industries find that they have to pay their dues
in clerical work. Law employers will expect you to hit the ground running. Seniors
rely heavily on associates for research and preparation, and associates reported that
a great deal of their personal satisfaction came from their high level of responsibility
and the challenge of seeing a project through from start to finish.

Billable HoursIf you work in a private firm, you will inevitably face the monster named "billable."
Private firms make their money by billing clients by the hour, and every person in
a private firm is required to fulfill a quota.

Hierarchical StructureOne of the most unappealing aspects of beginning a career in law is paying homage
to those who have gone before you. Law is a very hierarchical industry where the juniors
must show proper respect to the seniors. And the seniors are allowed to expect and
demand that associates produce...and produce...and produce. This doesn't mean that
vertical relationships have to be unpleasant. Many law firms have mentoring programs
where senior lawyers will take fledglings under their wings and teach them the ropes.

Long HoursThough hours vary by geographical area and the kind of law practiced, entry-level
lawyers working for the state or federal government report that an average workday
is around nine hours long. If you're working at a private firm, make that a 60-hour
workweek (as well as the occasional weekend). If you decide to work in New York City,
don't make plans with friends for a few years.

No BalanceMost lawyers report that the hardest thing about their job is choosing between their
personal lives and their careers on a daily basis. For most, this means that family,
friends, and significant others may feel overlooked. And newcomers are expected to
pay their dues with many long hours and inflexible deadlines.

DeadlinesDeadlines are often set in stone. Some types of law like litigation or corporate law
are particularly inflexible. This means that associates must work as long as it takes
to finish researching and preparing their work for a meeting with a client or another
lawyer.

Tedious ResearchAssociates spend a lot of time doing the groundwork for their supervisors. This can
mean hours of research, writing and proofreading, drafting and re-drafting documents,
and waiting for approval. This kind of attention to detail and clarity is an essential
skill for lawyers to develop; it will involve hours of concentration and dedication
to a single task.

3. Resources to Help You Prepare

There is a wealth of online information to help you plan and prepare for law school.
Don't be shy—use it.

4. Mock Trial / Moot Court / Mock Mediation

Legal careers can involve courtroom argumentation, legal theory and advocacy, or mediation
of disputes. The Department offers skills/activity courses in each area, where you
can gain knowledge, practical experience, and tremendous friendships. In all three
cases, students work with faculty members to prepare and compete in state and national
competitions.

PS 2100 Legal Courtroom Procedure. (EXL) For students interested in developing trial advocacy skills; practical course offering
preparation for mock trial competition. One credit, but may be repeated up to three
times.

PS 2120. Mediation Procedure. (EXL) For students interested in developing skills as a mediator and an advocate in mediation
settings. Practical application of theories, methods, and ethical components of mediation.
Participation in intercollegiate mediation competition. May be repeated for up to
four hours of credit. Pass/Fail.

5. Law School Finance Issues and Concerns

It is an absolute necessity to get some serious advice on law school financing. Major
debt can be a serious impediment to getting on with life after law school, and thus
it is essential to get clear information and a sound plan before starting. The resources
below are a start, but are not a substitute for discussions with professionals.

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